Super Junior, the popular South Korean boy group, recently held a concert, but leader Park Jeong-su (박정수), known professionally as Leeteuk (이특), unexpectedly found himself at the center of dating rumors due to a fan-captured video. Netizens claimed to have spotted his alleged girlfriend in the audience. The video quickly surpassed 2 million views, igniting heated discussions across Korean online communities and reigniting the ongoing debate surrounding idols and their relationships.
Following the concert, several fan-recorded videos circulated widely on social media. Many netizens speculated that a woman seen in the audience was Leeteuk's rumored girlfriend, with some even digging up various clues to support their claims about the pair's relationship.
One netizen posted, questioning, "Is it a trend for Super Junior members to bring their girlfriends to concerts now? They're creating romantic interactions on stage, but bringing their girlfriends to work events privately?" The user also pointed out that a Super Junior fan had previously commented on the woman's social media, receiving a like in return. This, combined with the belief that Kim Hee-chul (김희철) also seemed to know her, further fueled suspicions about their relationship.
The accuser also shared multiple photos as "evidence," stating that if idols are truly dating, they should keep it low-key instead of bringing their partners to work. They wrote, "Do you think it's normal for a man born in 1983 to date a woman born in 2001? There's an 18-year age gap. If they're really dating, shouldn't they be more discreet? Bringing your girlfriend to your workplace, I don't think an idol should do that, even if they're older."
However, after the posts went viral, netizens' opinions were divided. Many believed that as long as both parties are adults, there is no need for excessive interference.
One person commented, "Both are adults (25 and 43 years old) with independent judgment. Instead of worrying about adult relationships, people should focus on actual crimes involving minors." Another user wrote, "She's an adult, what's the problem? If you had the chance to date your idol, I believe many people would be willing."
Another faction argued, "Stop meddling in other people's private lives; it's really too nosy." Someone else pointed out, "She's not a minor, so you can't make this about pedophilia. If she were underage, then it wouldn't be too late to criticize."
Furthermore, some fans defended Leeteuk, arguing that Super Junior members consistently face malicious attacks whenever dating rumors surface. "Please wake up, they are adults and ordinary people. A 25-year-old woman dating a 43-year-old man is not illegal; stop trying to find problems," one fan wrote.
Despite this, some netizens remained unable to accept the 18-year age gap, bluntly stating, "18-year difference? If he had married earlier, he could be her father," and "This age gap is like father and daughter; truly unacceptable."
Leeteuk has previously addressed dating rumors himself, but this latest incident, sparked by the concert, has reignited the discussion. Neither party has yet responded to the recent allegations.
